Definition of Temporal arteritis

Temporal arteritis: Also called giant cell
arteritis or cranial arteritis, this is a serious disease characterized by inflammation of
the walls of the blood vessels (vasculitis). The vessels affected by inflammation are the
arteries (hence the name "arteritis"). The age of affected patients is usually
over 50 years of age. Giant cell arteritis can lead to blindness and/or stroke. It is
detected by a biopsy of an artery. It is treated with high dose cortisone-related
medications.